CONFIRMED: Non-EU residence seekers to pay for Czech language exam as of 2024

Starting next year, non-EU foreigners applying for permanent residence in the Czech Republic will be responsible for covering the cost of the mandatory Czech language exam, as per a government-approved amendment, Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný announced.

Consequently, the Czech Interior Ministry will no longer issue or reimburse vouchers for the Czech language exam after Aug. 31. Additionally, the maximum fee for the exam will increase from CZK 2,500 to CZK 3,200, effective January 2024.

However, foreign doctors, dentists, and pharmacists from outside the EU will be exempt from the Czech language exam. They will demonstrate language proficiency through their approbation exam, a requirement for practicing their medical profession.

This shift away from vouchers for the language exam is attributed to the influx of Ukrainian refugees and the heightened interest in the exam among applicants who arrived under the highly qualified employees program, initiated seven years ago.

The Interior Ministry anticipates approximately 30,000 permanent residence applications in the Czech Republic this year, a substantial increase from the 2,500 applicants in 2020.

During periods of high demand, the state's annual expenditure on Czech language exam vouchers nears CZK 20 million.

Non-EU foreigners can apply for permanent residence after residing in the Czech Republic for five years or with a blue card, provided they can demonstrate A2 level knowledge in a Czech language exam. Exemptions apply to children under 15, individuals over 60, the disabled, and those with specific educational qualifications.